Yesterday, she had pointed a knife at Zhao Hongqiang, fierce and unyielding.

Today, she was shedding tears for a fair-skinned young man, looking weak and pitiful.

This little comrade had quite the acting skills.

Zhang Yunxi had no idea that someone behind her was watching the show with great amusement. She continued her performance, lifting her teary eyes, looking delicate and sorrowful—so fragile that anyone who saw her would feel pity.

“Comrade Wu, I clearly gave you the money. Why would you say such a thing? Back then, you even promised me that if I gave you the money, once you found a job…”

“Alright, alright, it’s just a hundred yuan. If you really want it, I can give it to you. There’s no need to cry in front of everyone.” Wu Donglin was visibly uncomfortable and tried to act magnanimous.

“That’s not it. It was clearly my money…” Zhang Yunxi’s eyes brimmed with unshed tears.

The onlookers began to look at Wu Donglin differently.

Deceiving a female comrade—wasn’t that a bit too much?

Wu Donglin was getting angrier. Just because she was pretty didn’t mean she wasn’t an idiot! She was nothing like her charming little cousin!

“Here’s your hundred yuan! Happy now?!”

He shoved ten crisp banknotes into Zhang Yunxi’s hands, his heart aching.

Back when he tricked Zhang Yunxi out of that hundred yuan, he had already squandered it on food and drinks with his buddies.

Now that he had been sent to the countryside, his parents had only given him 130 yuan, telling him they would send at most ten yuan per month afterward.

And now, just as he had arrived, he had to spend a hundred yuan?!

Wu Donglin’s gaze toward Zhang Yunxi turned hostile. He planned to get that money back later.

Meanwhile, the bystanders were astonished by his extravagance.

This guy was loaded.

A cold glint flashed in Zhang Yunxi’s eyes. The next moment, she looked as if she had suffered a great grievance—her tear-filled eyes rimmed red, her delicate brows furrowed.

She bit her lip, her expression pitiful, making everyone’s heart ache.

Even their gazes toward Wu Donglin carried silent condemnation.

Wu Donglin was only eighteen—young and eager to save face. Frustrated, he pulled out another ten yuan.

“Don’t say I didn’t help you! And just so you know, I have plenty of money!”

“Oh, that’s good.”

Zhang Yunxi swiftly took the money from his hands and gave him a sweet smile.

“Thank you, Comrade Wu. I’m glad I spent so much money pleasing my cousin for your sake. Now that you’ve paid me back, we’re even~”

There were still tears in her eyes, but her smile was dazzling.

Wu Donglin felt like something was off with her words, but seeing her smile, he decided not to dwell on it.

“I’m heading to Zhao’s Brigade. You?”

The meaning was clear—he wanted her to go with him.

Zhang Yunxi shook her head apologetically.

“Sorry, I promised a fellow female comrade in my dormitory that I’d buy some yarn for her, so I won’t be going with you.”

Rejected.

Wu Donglin stormed off angrily.

This woman had no sense!

No wonder people didn’t like her!

For a moment, he had thought she’d changed after becoming prettier. But in reality, she was still the same old fool.

Once he was gone, Zhang Yunxi turned to the remaining onlookers and bowed.

“Sorry for the spectacle.”

People shook their heads, but seeing the 110 yuan in her hands, they felt a little envious.

Zhang Yunxi hadn’t wanted to confront him in public, but if she didn’t do it here, she might never get the money back.

If she waited too long, knowing Wu Donglin’s reckless spending habits, the money would all be gone.

As she turned her head, she suddenly spotted Zhao Rencheng.

Surprised and delighted, she stood on tiptoe and called out, “Brother Zhao, you’re here too?”

The crisp sound of “Brother Zhao” sent a shiver down Zhao Rencheng’s spine.

Anyone who had been eyeing Zhang Yunxi immediately dismissed the thought after seeing Zhao Rencheng’s imposing figure. The crowd quickly dispersed.

Zhao Rencheng approached.

“What’s going on?”

“I… can I treat you to a meal?” Zhang Yunxi looked at him expectantly.

Standing close, she realized how tall he was.

He was 188 cm, with a buzz cut, tanned skin, broad shoulders, and long legs. A scar ran across his brow, giving him an intense presence. His sheer masculinity was overwhelming.

According to the novel’s description, he wasn’t a bad guy, but his powerful aura was truly intimidating.

Zhao Rencheng glanced down at her.

“Alright.”

“Thank you.” Zhang Yunxi beamed.

“You’re here to send a letter, right? I need to pick up a newspaper. Why don’t we go to the supply and marketing cooperative first, then head to the state-owned restaurant?”

Zhao Rencheng nodded.

“Alright.”

She looked pitiful—he might as well help her out.

As they walked away, Zhao Mo hesitated before tugging on her aunt’s sleeve.

“Auntie, do your legs hurt?”

“Nope, just a minor issue!”

After earning 110 yuan today, how could she not be happy?

Zhao Mo still wasn’t entirely convinced but chose to let it go.

After buying the newspaper, the three of them headed to the supply and marketing cooperative.

With 110 yuan, Zhang Yunxi was feeling wealthy.

Not only did she buy new clothes for Zhao Mo, but she also got yarn to knit sweaters—one for herself and one for Zhao Mo.

After finishing her shopping, she noticed Zhao Rencheng standing straight under a large banyan tree outside the store.

His posture was perfect, exuding an air of strict discipline.

However, he was also being blatantly stared at by passersby, and his frown made it clear that he was not happy.

Zhang Yunxi couldn’t help but think—this is exactly how boyfriends look when they’re forced to wait while their girlfriends shop.

She suddenly burst into laughter.

Zhao Rencheng turned to look at her.

Zhang Yunxi immediately wiped the smile off her face, straightening her expression.

“Let’s go to the state-owned restaurant.”

Zhao Rencheng noticed her ever-changing expressions and let the corner of his mouth lift slightly.

“Alright.”

Zhao Mo stared at her uncle’s rare smile.

Zhao Rencheng knocked on her forehead lightly.

“What are you looking at?”

Zhao Mo covered her forehead and shook her head.

“Uncle Zhao, you’re in a good mood today.”

Usually, he scolded her siblings and relatives without mercy.

“I’m getting a free meal today,” Zhao Rencheng replied.

Zhao Mo let out a long “Ohhhh.”

She totally understood now.

She was also thrilled about getting treated to a meal by her aunt!

As they walked, Zhao Rencheng suddenly reached over and took the bags Zhang Yunxi was carrying.

Zhang Yunxi was startled.

Zhao Rencheng said flatly, “You’re walking too slowly.”

Zhang Yunxi: “…”

She had no comeback for that.

“…Thanks.”

“No problem.”

At the state-owned restaurant, Zhao Rencheng checked the blackboard menu and ordered five bowls of rice, braised pork, and shredded pork in garlic sauce.

The total was 1.2 yuan and three food coupons.

Zhao Rencheng saw that she wasn’t hesitant about the cost, confirming that she genuinely wanted to treat him.

Still, he pulled out his own money and paid.

“Hey, wait! I said I’d treat you!”

If not for Zhao Rencheng, she might have run into trouble today. She wanted to spend this money.

Zhao Rencheng glanced at her.

“Next time. You don’t even have three food coupons.”

Zhang Yunxi froze.

She had completely forgotten about the food coupons!

She had only packed two last night.

She flushed with embarrassment.

“I’ll give you two yuan then.”

The restaurant worker chuckled.

“You two are dating, aren’t you? Don’t be shy, young lady. Let him treat you.”